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Which of these 4 Phono Pre you'dl choose?

Hi to all the forum members,

I'm looking for a new phono preamp to upgrade my system. The only one that I had was the first version of ASR MiniBasis, a very good preamp, but compared to the settings and the improvements of the Exclusive model the first version it's so far behind. I have watched, but no listened, other three more expensive models (at least here in Spain) but I don't have sound reference. I would like if you can give me an opinion of these models:

- ASR MiniBasis Exclusive
- LehmannAudio Decade
- Avid Pulsus
- Nagra BPS

All are factory new and their prices range from $1500 (MiniBasis) to $2300 (Nagra)

Please tell me your reviews!

Thanks in advance
lluchjovi
20 responses Add your response
tortilladc
121 posts
 
update: i was able to get a new battery pack for the Novo Phonomena through a dealer. all is well with that phonostage now!
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I 2nd the Manley Steelhead....This is a serious unit!
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
I would have to agree that the Herron VTPH-2 is the choice at any price point. That said, Herron does take VTPH-1 units in on trade. IMO, a used VTPH-1 in your price range is the very best bang for the buck and still an excellent choice in most price ranges. A call to Keith Herron (www.herronaudio.com) is the only way to find out if he has any and the price.

lluchjovi OP
6 posts
 
Well Sirs.....I think that I'll go for Allnic H-1201
ebm
9,311 posts
 
None i like Manly Steelhead.
tortilladc
121 posts
 
The Nova Phonomena is dead quiet even on AC. However, the battery pack doesn't last very long and don't expect any email response from Yee when you try to order the battery kit replacement advertised on his site. Other than covering up the blinking red light with tape because the batteries will no longer hold a change, I don't intend to replace it anytime soon. But I wouldn't buy anything else from them again. Fair warning!
kiko65
279 posts
 
Pro-ject Phono Box RS Reference for $999.00 will give all listed a run for their money. It's a more than capable phono pre with almost infinite options.
lluchjovi OP
6 posts
 
Markus, thanks you for your post, but Herron it's $2000 more than any preamp on my budget list.
lluchjovi OP
6 posts
 
Hi Itsalldark,
have you upgraded to ASR Basis or MiniBasis Exclusive? here The nova it's $100 expensive that the MiniBasis Exclusive (with powercord and AD843SQ).
lluchjovi OP
6 posts
 
Pani, which of them have you heard?
itsalldark
182 posts
 
I had the Musical Surroundings Nova a few years ago and I must agree it is an outstanding unit and dead quiet. I upgraded to ASR Exclusive, and yes it does bring more to the table, but it should for the price difference! I don't think you can go wrong with the Nova. I see them pop up here every once and awhile in the five to six hundred dollar range. A real deal at that price.
markus1299
252 posts
 
Herron VTPH2 will better most of these
lluchjovi OP
6 posts
 
And Liberty Audio $2600/2700 here too...(shipping, customs)
lluchjovi OP
6 posts
 
Thanks, but Allnic cheapest pre it's $3200 here.
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
Nagra BPS
mountainsong's avatar
mountainsong
422 posts
 
Allnic the end of the search. Amazing.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Liberty B2B-1

Take a look at this one too - google reviews

Good Listening - From its maker

Peter
pani
1,219 posts
 
Among them, it is Avid Pulsus.

Or you should look at the Pro-ject RS phono stage. Seriously top class stuff, fully balanced, dual mono phono stage.
needfreestuff's avatar
needfreestuff
572 posts
 
+1 Mattmiller it is a real giant killer. Best of Luck
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Musical Surroundings NOVA preamp will kill most on your list...and for only $1200. It uses a battery for super quiet back round.
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